The 9th ASEAN-US Summit is held via videoconference in October 2021. (Photo: asean.org)

In addition to celebrating the 45th anniversary of the relationship between the US and ASEAN, the leaders will discuss major issues of mutual concern. Topics to be discussed include the COVID-19 pandemic, global health security, climate change, sustainable development, and the situation in Ukraine and Myanmar.

The US-ASEAN special summit is an opportunity for the US to strengthen its partnership with countries in the region.